Congressman Paul Ryan with DeMolay's Stephen Mattox
Stephen Mattox, 17, is inviting Wisconsin Teen-aged boys and their parents to attend “Welcome Night” events for Wisconsin DeMolay being held throughout the state. DeMolay is an international leadership group for boys age 12-21. Famous Alumni of DeMolay include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Bill Clinton, and former Wisconsin Governor Lee S. Dreyfus.
Mattox has already rubbed shoulders with the famous himself. At Racine County Fair this year, representing DeMolay, Stephen had opportunity to meet with Congressman Paul Ryan, just days before Ryan was named as Vice-Presidential running-mate of Mitt Romney. “It’
When Mattox was elected as Wisconsin Master Councilor of DeMolay this year, he already had a plan to increase membership by 50%. As he took office, Stephen learned that the DeMolay Foundation had a program under development that would help him achieve those goals. Funding was made available to promote DeMolay throughout Wisconsin, and Mattox, along with state officers would be heavily involved in that effort from the first day of his one-year term. “This is a huge membership effort for Wisconsin DeMolay.” says Mattox, “We have a lot to offer teen guys in our leadership program.” We’ve been involved in coming up with a new slogan (Fun. Seriously.) revamping brochures, preparing marketing materials. The state officers will be working with DeMolay Chapters throughout Wisconsin as the organization hosts “Welcome Night” events throughout Wisconsin on October 1 and 2. The state team even contributed to redesign of the state website. Mattox will be travelling to the Lake Country Area on October 1 to assist the new Dousman-Oconomowoc Chapter of DeMolay, and then on October 2, he will be back at his DeMolay home chapter in Burlington introducing the dignitaries and guests.
DeMolay State Master Councilor is not the only leadership role that Mattox has held. For three summers he has participated in the Culver Summer Naval School (CSNS) for boys in Culver Indiana where he was in their military prep program. He also served as interim Chapter Master Councilor for Kenosha DeMolay when they needed leadership for a time, and was twice Master Councilor of Burlington DeMolay. How does he manage all the responsibilities?
When asked what he does in his free time, Mattox laughs and rhetorically asks “What is this free time thing you speak of?” He says he may sit down to play the piano – or any of three other instruments he plays, or referee youth sports in his hometown. He also maintains solid grades at school. Somehow he even manages to have a girlfriend in the mix. How does that work? “Oh, she is involved with DeMolay as the State Sweetheart, so I get to see her more that way. It works pretty well.”
So what’s next for Mattox? “DeMolay Welcome Nights across Wisconsin!” he says. "We’re excited to get new members for DeMolay. Just what is DeMolay? According to Mattox, “it is a great leadership program for guys. We do sports, travel around the state, have dances and do speech competitions. Fun. Seriously.”
Mattox is a senior at Wilmot Union High School, and will serve DeMolay as State leader until July of 2013. What’s after graduation for him? Planning the annual DeMolay Conclave for July 2013 – and then off to college, or perhaps the Military.
WELCOME NIGHT FOR TEEN GUYS AGE 12-21
IN WISCONSIN DEMOLAY
KENOSHA DEMOLAY WELCOME NIGHT
4320 Washington Road,
Unity Masonic Lodge 7:00 PM
Tuesday - October 2
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BURLINGTON DEMOLAY WELCOME NIGHT
325 N Kane Street
Burlington Masonic Center - 7:00 PM
Tuesday - October 2
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RACINE DEMOLAY WELCOME NIGHT
1012 Main Street
Racine Masonic Center - 7:00 PM
Monday - October 1
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
